This week we’re looking at some members of the Monarda genus, a group of herbaceous perennial plants in the same family as mints. Though there are 25 recognized species, all native to North America, let’s delve deeper into two of the species that are most relevant to New York state.
The most widespread and common species under the “beebalm” umbrella are M. didyma or scarlet beebalm, and M. fistulosa, often known as wild bergamot. M. didyma is responsible for the brilliant red or burgundy flowers that are popular in gardens.
M. fistulosa has several varieties with a range of purple shades like this one.
Many cultivated beebalms are hybrid cultivars of these two species. Beebalms typically flower in spring and summer, and if thoroughly deadheaded, may even produce a second round of blooms in the fall. Here in the Pollinator Garden at the Extension Learning Farm, we have some Monarda didyma of the cultivated variety ‘Jacob Cline’ which bloomed last year from June 23 – July 30. We also have a tall pink-flowering beebalm (possibly a hybrid) which finished blooming a bit earlier in July, and a shorter purple-flowering one which bloomed June 10 – July 10.
Beebalm was used in many forms by Native Americans and early colonists, for medicinal and culinary purposes. The leaves and flowers are completely edible, and can be used fresh in salads and as a garnish, or can be made into an herbal infusion, earning it another common name: “Oswego tea”. Read more Beebalm – Native Plant of the week